For Immediate Release
August 8, 2005

August 8, 2005 Fishing Report

Region A- Southwestern Maine

The summer doldrums are upon us and for many anglers, the peak of 
fishing
fun is well past us or is shortly to come.  Fishing opportunity 
however, is
where you find it.  Summertime heat oftentimes forces fish into cool
well-oxygenated refuges that can be very effectively targeted for 
mid-summer
fishing fun.  In lakes, this condensed trout and salmon habitat can be 
found
near where the warmer surface waters meet the cooler waters below.  
Just
make sure not to fish too deep, as deeper waters often lose their 
oxygen
content as summer progresses.  Cool water refuges in streams can be 
found by
simply looking for the deepest pools that offer significant cover.  
Brush
piles from beaver activity and under cut banks are good bets in small
streams.  Bring your thermometer when you target larger streams and 
look for
where small tributaries join the main stem.  Even if the tributary is 
dry,
there may still be cool water influence from under the dry streambed.  
Your
thermometer should be your guide. 

	Region A staff recently returned to evaluate the stocked brook trout
fisheries in two of our most recently reclaimed ponds.  On visiting 
Broken
Bridge Pond and Crocker Pond in Albany, we discovered both ponds full 
of
illegally re-stocked golden shiners.  Golden shiners compete with brook
trout for available resources and were a very unwelcome sight for
biologist's eyes.  The long hours and thousands of dollars in resources 
that
went into reclaiming these ponds in the hope of recreating a quality 
brook
trout fishery were largely undone by one selfish act.  These ponds are
closed to the taking of bait and will remain closed regardless of the
quality of the trout fisheries in these ponds.  Remember, the stocking 
of
any fish into any outdoor water is illegal without a permit from 
MDIF&W.
The application is easy to fill out and both the application and the 
permit
are free.      
	 
-Brian Lewis, Fisheries Biology Specialist

Region B - Central Maine

It is uncommon for the fisheries staff in central Maine to work on a 
body of
water within the region that has not yet been surveyed. Round Pond in 
the
town of Rome was one such body of water. Some of the historic fishing 
data
suggested that there were some large trout caught from the pond. One 
large
trout in particular was caught by a retired Maine Game Warden in 1958 
and
was just over 3 pounds. The pond is nestled to the east of Vienna hills 
and
just west of Belgrade's Long Pond. It is accessible only by a foot 
trail
from the Watson Pond Road, giving it a unique remote setting for the 
central
Maine area. Two tributaries flow into the pond from the west side. One 
of
the tributaries still supports a significant wild brook trout 
population.
The other originates from Kidder Pond, which is just north of Round 
Pond and
does have some rough fish species present.

With these characteristics one may think that Round Pond could still 
have
some wild brook trout present. 

Our spirits were high as we dragged our canoe and all of the necessary
equipment into Round Pond to evaluate the pond's fish species and water
quality. We set out paddling across the pond recording depths along the 
way.
When we reached the other side, we discoverd that young largemouth bass 
have
already taken residence in the ponds shallows. Our tests revealed that 
water
quality was marginal for trout survival. Unfortunately, the presence of
largemouth bass all but destroyed our hopes of finding some trout. 

Nevertheless, we set our sample nets in the deeper, cooler water of the 
pond
in the hope of finding some trout. After the nets were set, we passed 
some
time paddling down the thoroughfare into Beaver Pond where we again saw
several larger largemouth bass lurking in the shallows. This made 
things
seem even more dismal for finding a few trout in our nets that we had 
just
set.  After a few hours the nets where pulled and with no surprise we 
pulled
up six white suckers and no trout. Our thoughts that that brook trout 
no
longer inhabit the pond were confirmed. Just one more example of how 
illegal
introductions can effect native fish populations.

-Scott Davis, Fisheries Biology Specialist

Region C - Downeast 
	
The Fisheries staff of the Downeast Regional Headquarters is 
considering an
expansion of brook trout stocking to create fishing opportunity in two 
small
ponds in Hancock County - Second Pond in Dedham and Anderson Pond in
Township 10 SD. Prior to instituting substantive new management 
changes, we
take proposals before the public and solicit your input. 

Second Pond in Dedham is a 64-acre pond whose outlet flows into 
Phillips
Lake. The pond's water quality is adequate to support trout through the
summer months in well-oxygenated water found from 12-16 feet where 
water
temperatures range from 54º F to the low 60º F range. The surface pH is 
6.5,
which is fine for trout. Brook trout were formerly stocked during the 
period
1961-70. We propose to stock approximately 2550 fingerling brook trout 
each
fall. The pond is open to fishing during both the winter and openwater
seasons. Our goal is to create an additional trout fishery near the
population center of Bangor-Brewer-Ellsworth-Bucksport where demand is 
high
for this type of fishing opportunity. Because chain pickerel are 
present in
the pond, the initial stockings would be considered experimental until 
we
determined the success of the program. If survival and return of trout 
to
anglers was low, we would terminate the program.

We also propose to stock brook trout into 16-acre Anderson Pond located
north of Route 182 (Black Woods Road) in Township 10 SD. When we 
surveyed
this crystal-clear, remote pond in 1998, we found it to be homothermous 
from
the surface to the bottom at 21 feet. Although cooler bottom waters 
would
improve the chance of successful survival of brook trout, sometimes
springholes exist, providing coolwater refuge over the warm summer 
months,
making trout survival possible. The only fish species found in our 
survey
were baitfish and pumpkinseed sunfish. We propose two experimental 
stockings
of 475 fall fingerling brook trout followed by evaluation of whether 
the
program is successful enough to merit continuation. If successful, 
anglers
will have a trout fishery in a beautiful remote section of eastern 
Hancock
County. 

We encourage comments on these proposals. If you wish to email, send 
to:
Richard.Jordan@maine.gov <mailto:Richard.Jordan@maine.gov>   . Comments 
by
phone can be taken at 434-5925, and letters can be sent to:
	Fisheries Division
	Maine Dept. Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
	P.O. Box 220
	Jonesboro, ME 04648

-Rick Jordan, Assistant Regional Fisheries Biologist

Region D - Western Mountains 

I spent the past weekend fishing at Clearwater Pond in Industry. I 
fished
mainly for smallmouth bass and lake trout with very little luck in 
catching
anything. However, that doesn't mean that I didn't see some fish. Due 
to the
pond's exceptional water clarity I was able to see a good number of 
large
smallmouth bass, quite a few over sixteen inches in length. Togue could 
also
be seen feeding on baitfish near the surface. The large splashes 
created and
the jumping of bait looked like a school of bluefish chasing their prey 
at
the ocean. Seeing these large fish was quite spectacular and even 
though I
only caught a few very tiny bass and perch, I had a great time just
observing the fish.

If anglers are interested in brook trout fishing this time of year, 
things
are getting tough. Overall the ponds are getting warm and the best 
insect
hatches are over. Unless you know of a secret spring hole or a cool 
deep
pool in a stream, trout become difficult to locate and angle for. For 
the
adventurous angler, higher elevation ponds are another option. The 
nighttime
temperatures are lower in the mountains, so the water temperatures stay
cooler and trout remain active throughout the summer. A few places to 
try
this summer are Speck Pond in Grafton Twp., Tumbledown Pond in Township 
6
North of Weld, The Horns Pond in Wyman Twp., and Mountain Dimmick Pond 
in
Caratunk. All have well-established trails that lead to each pond and 
are
annually stocked with brook trout to maintain a fishery.

Last week, two new waters were added to the regional inventory. Pennell 
Pond
in New Portland and Metallak Pond on Township C were officially 
surveyed for
the first time. Pennell Pond is a pretty little 15-acre, 9-foot deep 
pond
with hornpout and minnows present. Metallak Pond is a 75-acre bog with 
a
maximum depth of four feet and only lake chubs present for fish. Both 
ponds
have poor water quality for trout. However, brook trout are present in 
the
outlets, so they may seasonally enter the ponds when conditions are 
right. 

-Dave Howatt, Fisheries Biology Specialist

Region E - Moosehead Region

Last week, regional personnel finished the deep netting for juvenile 
lake
trout on Moosehead Lake.  This annual sampling enables regional 
personnel to
evaluate the growth and abundance of juvenile lake trout in Moosehead 
Lake.
Two 100-foot gillnets were set in water depths greater than 100 feet 
and
fished over a 24 hour period.

We set 24 nets over the course of 4 nights, six nets per night.  The 
netting
locations for these sampling events were two nights in the deep water 
in
Whisky Cove on the west side of Deer Island, one night in the deep 
water in
the northwest end of Lily Bay, and one night in the deep water between 
Burnt
Jacket Point and Moose Island.  During our sampling, we collected 43 
lake
trout that ranged in size from 6 to 14 inches.  The stomach analysis 
from
these individuals stayed true to history.  Although there was little 
found
in their bellies, we were able to identify fish remains, smelts, 
insects,
and small amounts of Mysis in the stomachs that did contain food items.

On August 25, 2005 at 6:30 p.m. at the Quimby Elementary School, Maine
Street, Bingham, the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is
proposing regulation changes for the upcoming ice fishing and open 
fishing
seasons.  The affected water being discussed at the public hearing for 
the
Moosehead Lake region is Foss Pond, Kingsbury Plt.  

The current regulation at Foss Pond : 
-S-4: Use of possession of live bait is prohibited.
-S-10: Daily bag limit on togue; 1 fish.
		-S-17: Daily bag limit on brook trout; 2 fish, minimum
length limit: 10 inches, only 1 may exceed 12 inches.

Proposed regulation change:
	-S-6: Artificial lures only. (ALO)
	-S-10: Daily bag limit on togue; 1 fish, minimum length limit: 23
inches.
	-Daily bag limit on brook trout 1 fish; minimum length limit 14
inches.

Other proposals from our western region will also be discussed at 
Bingham.

All proposals may be obtained from Andrea Erskine, Inland Fisheries and
Wildlife, 284 Stae Street, 41 SHS, Augusta, ME 04333-0041; e-mail:
andrea.erskine@maine.gov.  Written comments may be submitted on any of 
the
proposals.  Deadline for comments is September 16, 2005.

-Stephen Seeback, Fisheries Biology Specialist


 
Region F, Penobscot Region

The weather in the Penobscot region this past week has been very 
enjoyable;
great for camping, hiking, swimming and most other vacation activities. 
But
for the angler, this is not the time to expect fast fishing for trout,
togue, or salmon. This past week we have had very few reports from our
coldwater anglers. Although catch rates are slow,  East Grand Lake is 
still
producing some nice catches of fish. Catch rates have dropped off, but 
the
togue continue to be in the 2  to 6 lb. range. 

Fisheries staff spent 2 days in Baxter State Park last week doing 
follow up
surveys on 3 trout ponds: Celia, Daicey, and Jackson. Nice brook trout 
were
netted at all 3 ponds. Park Rangers report slow angling success 
throughout
the park. However, anglers that are successful are catching some nice 
fish.


The Penobscot River continues to produce great smallmouth bass fishing, 
We
have also had some good reports from South Branch Lake, Seboeis Lake 
and
Dolby Pond.

If your visiting Maine and looking for some exciting fishing, might I
suggest fishing for some  warm water species? Some excellent angling 
can be
found for smallmouth bass, pickerel and perch. If you stop buy the 
local
sporting goods store and ask the store keeper, I am sure they can 
direct you
to bodies of water with better fishing activity.  Most times these fish 
can
be taken on bobber and worm. It's a great way to keep the kids busy, 
while
building some great vacation memories.    

Summer is more than half way over, so get out and enjoy all that Maine 
has
to offer.   
    
-Brian Campbell, Fisheries Biology Specialist     


Region G - Aroostook County
	
These hot, humid and calm days of August are opportune times to fish 
for
togue.  The lack of wind allows for slow trolling in deep water with a
"Christmas Tree" set of spinners or one large bladed spoon ahead of a 
piece
of sewed bait or artificial lure.  Togue are typically found at depths 
of
45-60 feet in the deep, well-oxygenated water of the lake.  To reach 
these
depths it is necessary to use lead core line, wire or, what is becoming
increasingly popular, a downrigger attached to a lighter spinning gear. 
 
Togue lakes in the eastern part of the region include Nickerson Lake in
Houlton and Eagle Lake and St. Froid Lakes in the Fish River Chain.  
The
largest togue would probably be found in Eagle Lake. 

Popular togue lakes to the west of Ashland include Carr Pond, 2nd 
Musquacook
Lake, Clear Lake, Munsungan Lake, Ross Lake, Haymock, Spider, Cliff and
Togue Lakes.  Togue are also found in Big Eagle Lake and Umsaskis Lake 
in
the Allagash Wilderness Waterway (AWW).  Special restrictions on canoe 
size,
motor size, and access sites have been implemented by the AWW for these 
two
lakes so please check with the AWW before making your trip.  As a 
reminder,
please check the 2005 open water fishing regulation booklet for special
fishing regulations that may apply to these waters.

A public hearing will be held on Monday, August 15 at 6:30 p.m. at the
Stockholm School on School Street in Stockholm. The following 
regulation
proposals will be heard:

Black Pond, T15R9 WELS, South Little Black Pond, T15R9 WELS, Crater 
Pond,
T15R9 WELS are all being considered for a daily bag limit on trout: 1 
fish;
minimum length limit on trout: 18 inches.

Eagle Lake in the Fish River Chain is being considered for a daily bag 
limit
on togue: 5 fish; minimum length limit on togue: 14 inches.

Madawaska Lake (including Little Madawaska Lake), T16R4 WELS & 
Westmanland:
Remain open to fishing from October 1 - October 31 using artificial 
lures
only; all fish caught must be released at once.  Open to ice fishing 
from
February 15 - March 31 with a daily bag limit on trout: 2 fish.


-David J. Basley, Regional Fisheries Biologist